To John Jay from Alexander McDougall, 21 March 1779
From Alexander McDougall
Head Quarters Peeks—Kill March 21st. 1779
My Dear Sir
This will be delivered to you, by Mr. Elijah Hunter—whom I suppose, you know, as a Friend to the common Cause of America. He goes to Philadelphia, on a Matter of importance, which he will communicate to you—1 It is of a very important and delicate Nature,— And I have my Doubts, on the Expediency of it’s being divulged, to any other Person whatsoever. If it is, there is
Danger, that the Object of the Plan will be frustrated— It is already unavoidably into many Hands— The Lives of four Citizens depend on it’s remaining ^a^ secret; besides the great Utility intended by the System proving abortive. I am my Dear Sir Your affectionate humble Servant
Alex:r McDougall
John Jay, Esquire 12 PM
ALS, NNC (EJ: 6929). Endorsed: “. . . my Ans. 28 Inst. / By Capt. Hunter.”
1. Elijah Hunter, who had been a captain in the New York militia and had retired from the army in 1776, now wanted to rejoin the service as a double agent. McDougall suggested a conference with Washington, which took place on 25 Mar. Although impressed by Hunter’s abilities, Washington advised McDougall “to trust him with caution and to watch his conduct with a jealous eye.” Washington to McDougall, 25 Mar. 1779, , 14: 291–92. For later commentary on Hunter’s activities, see, for example, Washington to Hunter, 12 Aug. 1779 and 25 Feb. 1790; JJ to Washington, 25 Aug. 1779, below; and Washington to JJ, 7 Sept. 1779, all DLC: Washington Papers.